Meneghini Vasco

Meneghini Vasco is a Fixed-term Researcher (RTD-A) in Human Histology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University's School of Medicine and Surgery in Milan, Italy. His academic career spans prestigious institutions including San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Imagine Institute of Genetic Diseases in Paris, and University of Piemonte Orientale.

• Ph.D. in Food and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies, University of Piemonte Orientale (2010)
• Master Degree in Industrial Biotechnology, University of Milan-Bicocca (2006)
• Bachelor in Molecular Biotechnology, University of Milan-Bicocca (2003)

Dr. Meneghini's research focuses on gene therapy for lysosomal storage diseases, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing applications, and neural stem cell engineering. His work integrates advanced techniques in viral vector development, iPSC modeling, and hematopoietic stem cell manipulation to address neurological and hematological disorders. Current projects emphasize AAV vector optimization, immune response characterization, and developing allele-specific editing strategies for neurodegenerative conditions.

His publication record reveals a strong emphasis on translational neuroscience and regenerative medicine, with recent work (2022-2025) concentrating on AAV vector immunogenicity, neural stem cell safety profiles, and combinatorial genome editing approaches for sickle cell disease. Key trends include developing safer CNS delivery systems, optimizing iPSC-derived neural models, and advancing precision editing techniques for monogenic disorders.

• NextGenerationEU-PNRR grant, Italian Ministry of University and Research (2022)
• BGTC AAV Biology research program (Co-PI), Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (2022)
• Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Individual Fellowship (2020)
• Ricerca Finalizzata - Giovani Ricercatori grant, Italian Ministry of Health (2019)
• Sanofi iAwards Europe (2019)

As Project Leader at SR-Tiget's Gene and Neural Stem Cell Therapy Unit, Meneghini directs research on lysosomal storage disease therapies while serving on editorial boards for Frontiers journals. His collaborative network spans European and American gene therapy consortia, with significant contributions to international sickle cell disease research initiatives and European Leukodystrophies Association family-researcher engagement programs.

Meneghini maintains active laboratory operations at San Raffaele-Telethon Institute, leading a multidisciplinary team focused on vector development, neural stem cell characterization, and preclinical validation of gene editing approaches. His group collaborates extensively with clinical teams at San Raffaele Hospital and international consortia including the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy.